About GLOBAL Journeys by Us

Germa and Jim bring a lifetime of global travel experience and cultural curiosity to Global Journeys by Us. Germa, originally from the Netherlands, and Jim, a Virginia native, first met in 1981 while Jim was serving on active duty in the United States Marine Corps and stationed in Sofia, Bulgaria. From the very beginning, travel became a defining part of their shared journey.

As a family of six, they have explored the world together, logging countless miles across continents. During Jim’s military service, they traveled extensively throughout Asia for both official assignments and personal adventures, with Hong Kong and Korea remaining among Germa’s favorite destinations. Jim’s service also took him throughout the Middle East, deepening their global perspective and appreciation for diverse cultures.

Their first experience with Gate 1 Travel in 2007 sparked a lifelong passion for guided global exploration. That inaugural journey through Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam marked the beginning of what has now become more than fifteen unforgettable Gate 1 adventures. I

n 2022, they fell in love with Africa during a trip to South Africa—a connection so strong it inspired three additional returns to the continent, including two land-based journeys and a cruise from Cape Town to Dubai. From trekking with gorillas in Rwanda to photographing the Big Five in South Africa and Namibia, and wandering through the vibrant medinas of Morocco, Africa holds a special place in their hearts. Other memorable destinations include India, South America, and Egypt. And yes—they’ve experienced it all, from misplaced luggage to near-missed passports and phones.

Land travel is only part of their story. Germa and Jim are also seasoned cruisers, having completed eleven cruises across multiple cruise lines. They are well-versed in ship selection, ports of call, onboard experiences, and smart packing strategies. Having sailed from Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Puerto Rico, and Seattle, they offer firsthand insight into embarkation logistics and port navigation. The Caribbean remains a favorite, with more than eight destinations explored—though their all-time favorite cruise remains the “ABC Islands” route: Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao.

Following a memorable trip to St. Lucia in 2025, Germa and Jim took the next step in their journey by founding Global Journeys by Us LLC. Rooted in experience, trust, and a genuine love for travel, they are dedicated to helping others create meaningful, well-planned adventures around the world. With firsthand knowledge, personal passion, and a commitment to exceptional service, Germa and Jim are ready to help you plan your next unforgettable journey.

Some of our FAVORITE Memories

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